The Storm is Brewing

Hermione couldn't remember a more perfect summer morning in her life. There hadn't been a cloud in sight, allowing the sun to wash over her skin like a caress, and a light breeze had played with Hermione's hair as Severus had escorted her to the Apparition point. As they had walked, she noticed that somehow, overnight, mother-nature seemed to reflect the tentative new feelings in her heart, for everything around her had seemed to be cheerful and full of life. The forest trees rose high above them, canopying the footpaths below with their lush foliage. The lake was a vibrant cerulean and as smooth as glass. Even the birds whistling from their boughs sounded happy as the two lovers walked hand in hand to the heavy gates.

He had Apparated them directly inside her living room, his wand held out, ready for unexpected attacks. And only after he had warded her home himself had he released her hand. Her parents had already left for the day, and Hermione had an urge to make love to him in her childhood bed. But he had been strong and had told her that each of them had much to do and would have to wait until the evening. After she had kissed him longer than she needed to, he had Disapparated, leaving her by herself for the first time in days.

After she had opened all the curtains in the house to let the sunshine pour in from the windows, unpacked, showered, and dressed, Hermione had phoned her cousin, asking her to come over.

An hour and a half later, her cousin was sitting in the living room with her, munching on biscuits.

"Well, you have been a busy little witch!" Jezzie said after Hermione had finished telling her what had transpired the past few days.

Hermione smiled as she repositioned herself on the sofa, getting comfortable.

"I knew you fancied him--I believe I even said you had a crush on him the night you told me about your N.E.W.T.s!"

Hermione grumbled. "All right, fine. You were right!"

Jezzie smirked.

"So... What has your lover got to say about this spell to locate souls?"

Hermione shifted in her seat. "Well, I haven't had time--"

Green flames roared to life in Hermione's fireplace, startling the two girls.

"Hermione?"

"Harry! What are you doing?" she said, jumping from the sofa to stand in front of the fire.

"Oh, good--you're home," he said, sliding his body to the left, letting Ron stick his head through the flames as well.

"Hello," Ron said, smiling.

"Ron! Come through--"

"We can't. We've only got a few moments. We are coming home tonight--there has been some activity, and the Ministry wants all Aurors and trainees back in London," Harry explained.

"And we won't have much time when we return--we just wanted to know if you got the book from the pyramid?" Ron said quickly.

"Yes! And I have used the spell once, but I'm going to Hogwarts again this afternoon to start searching for the Horcrux."

"Brilliant! I knew you would be able to do it," Harry replied, smiling.

"Everything... went well in Egypt? No problems?" Ron asked, concerned.

"Nothing that Severus and I couldn't handle."

The boys' locked eyes with each other.

"Severus?" they said in unison, facing her with puzzled looks on their faces.

Hermione flushed. "Err... yes... you see..."

"Save it, Hermione. We will discuss this later, we have to go," Harry said, looking behind him as if someone was calling his name.

"Oh, yes, of course. Have a safe trip home," she said, relieved that she didn't have to explain why she was calling Snape by his first name.

Ron waved good-bye and disappeared in the flames with Harry right behind him.

The fire died, and Hermione turned around, sighing heavily.

"Embarrassed about telling the boys that you are shagging your former professor?" Jezzie said, grinning from ear to ear.

"No! Besides, I love him. There's a difference between us just shagging and being in love and making love together," Hermione said defensively, crossing her arms and pouting.

The fire sprang to life once more and Hermione whipped around, surprised at another Floo-call.

Harry was back.

"And Hermione, we will have a talk about what is going on between you and Snape--don't think you are off the hook."

Before Hermione could utter a single word in response, Harry was gone.

"You know, just because they are boys, doesn't mean they don't know when something is going on with their best friend," Jezzie said.

Hermione stalked over to the sofa. Her cousin was right. The boys were perceptive--hell, they were training to be Aurors. But nevertheless, she hated admitting that other people were right, and to have to tell her cousin twice in one day... well... she hadn't been called a stubborn arse in the past for nothing.

"That's rubbish, Jezzie."

"Hermione--"

"Rubbish!"

Jezzie began giggling and after a moment, Hermione couldn't contain her laughter and joined her cousin.

"They are just looking out for you," Jezzie said after she regained control of herself.

Hermione sighed. "I know. But..."

"It will be hard to tell them you are shagging--in love-- with Severus Snape."

Hermione nodded.

"Would you like some tea?" Hermione asked, rising from the sofa.

"If I had more time, but I need to do a few errands before I go to work. And I am sure you are anxious to try that spell at the school," Jezzie said, gathering her sack and walking to the front door.

Hermione gave her cousin a warm good-bye hug and decided to visit her parents at their surgery before she headed back to Hogwarts. As she was putting her shoes on, she wondered what sort of activity was happening at the Ministry. She hadn't heard anything from anyone in the Order and presumed that it was more of a precaution than an indication of anything serious.

Well, at least she hoped.

Snape returned to Hogwarts after leaving Hermione at her parents' home and went directly to the Hospital Wing in search of the school's healing potions. He didn't have time to brew a new batch for his ankle--he was scheduled to meet with Voldemort soon.

He sat on one of the beds in the quiet room, his foot propped up on two pillows, and attempted to properly repair his torn ligaments, set his bone correctly, and hopefully, reverse some of the damage he had done with his half-arsed Healing Charm.

"The shit I go through..." he muttered to himself, recalling what had happened the previous night.

Snape had sat unsteadily on his knees in front of Voldemort, head bowed and nerves twitching from the excruciating pain in his left forearm. He had expected to be hit with the Cruciatus Curse and had prepared his mind and body for the pain, but it had been a complete surprise when he had been magically wrenched upside down by one ankle, his robes flipping over, exposing his bare legs and crotch. Instantly, Snape was choked with humiliation, his mind rapidly flipping between his current state in a posh drawing room of Malfoy Manor and a similar one twenty years ago, on a small hill, with half the school and Lily watching and laughing. It had been a complete feeling of helplessness then as now, and Voldemort knew exactly how Snape felt about being tortured like this--his master was causing him distress, physical and emotional, on purpose.

Voldemort's eyes had been glowing blood red, as he was beyond livid. "You didn't think I would find out, did you? You should've known better, Severusss. I have spies everywhere!"

Who the bloody hell--

"Ah, yes, Severusss... Spies everywhere. Remember that man who Apparated you to a pyramid? He recognized you. You are one of the highest ranked Death Eaters--all my followers, across the world, know who you are."

Fuck!

"Since you failed to tell your Lord that you were leaving the country, I couldn't inform my followers that you would be visiting and order them to grant you anything you desired. Imagine his surprise to find you in his country without any forewarning! Imagine how I felt when I was told where you were. And with whom. But before I could summon you, several of our men had been ambushed by Aurors. Did you know about that Severusss?"

"And don't worry, Severusss... I won't harm her."

When Snape had finally returned to fetch Hermione, he had been enraged. He had tried to stay calm and collected, but he knew he wasn't fooling Hermione--she had sensed the eerie change in him. And for a moment, just before he Apparated them, he considered going against Voldemort--how could he ever take her in front of the Dark Lord, purposely exposing her to a dangerous situation? He had fought an inner battle in those minutes before he Apparated, but staying the faithful servant and keeping his role as spy for the Order had won. And he had hated himself for it--hated that he had to play the puppet once again, and this time, bringing her along for the hellish ride.

Snape finally finished healing his ankle properly, cleaned the phials of potions and headed to the Apparition location.

Yes, Voldemort, you didn't harm her... But those fucking cunts tried to... Not for long though...

Snape arrived at Malfoy Manor an hour later and was escorted by a house-elf into a small sitting room.

Voldemort was sitting in a high-back chair, waiting for him.

Snape bowed and sat down in the wing-backed chair opposite Voldemort.

"Do you have the book? Or the spell?"

"My Lord, after you left Malfoy Manor yesterday, Lucius and the others attempted to attack me and Miss Granger. In the madness, she lost control of her magic, draining her of her powers. I had to deal with her and wasn't able to get the book or anything else from her."

"Severusss, you are trying my patience!" Voldemort hissed, slamming his palm on the arm of the wooden chair.

"My apologies," he said politely, smirking.

"Why are you smiling, Severusss? You know I find it irritating when you do that."

"Because I've got information that I know you will be satisfied with."

"What is it?" Voldemort said, sounding as if he was peeved.

Snape leaned back in the chair and crossed his legs. He snapped his fingers, and the door to the sitting roomed opened. A house-elf ushered a woman inside. Her eyes were blank, and she fell to her knees next to Snape, facing Voldemort.

"What is she doing here, Severusss?"

"Late last night, my Notification Charm on the girl was activated--it tells me when she learns useful information. After I left Miss Granger this morning, I paid this girl a visit and got the knowledge that I needed."

Snape looked at the kneeling woman, swept her hair from her shoulders and faced Voldemort once again.

"As of last night, our wonderful spy, Jezebel, has become the Secret Keeper for Beauxbatons."

Voldemort sat forward in his chair, his red eyes glowing bright red, grinning and very pleased with Snape.

"She's under the Imperius Curse, and because of the Unbreakable Vow, she is required to tell me the location when I ask for it--she can tell up to ten people. But we've only got a few moments--she was on her way to Miss Granger's when I intercepted her and brought her here. If she doesn't show, the Mudblood will alert the Order."

"I am impressed, Severusss. I admit that I presumed you were hiding something and were not being the loyal follower that I have always known--especially when you went out of the country without telling me."

"My Lord? How could I ever--"

Voldemort held his white, scaly hand up. "And since I believed that of you, I admit that it was my intention to let the others... take her last night after I left. But she believes that you are a loyal Order member--you are doing your job well. I should not have doubted my most trusted servant. As an apology, I will grant you one gift."

Severus had a feeling that Voldemort had suspected him of being a traitor. He also knew that by giving the information Voldemort wanted about Beauxbatons, his master would grant him anything he wanted.

Voldemort was playing right into Snape's hands.

"Thank you my Lord," Snape said, bowing his head. "You are always gracious."

Voldemort nodded.

"Greyback and Lestrange are challenging me at every turn. They have made direct threats to Miss Granger, and for now, her safety is vital. I would like you to guarantee her protection."

"If Greyback or Lestrange are preventing you of getting the information needed from the Mudblood, or if they harm her, you have my blessing to deal with them as you see fit--without any repercussions from me."

Although Voldemort didn't specifically say he would keep her safe, Snape knew that getting Voldemort's blessing to eradicate two of his higher ranked followers was a high honour. He was back to being Voldemort's most trusted, and faithful, spy.

Voldemort summoned for Dolohov, Greyback, Lestrange, Malfoy, and two junior Death Eaters. As soon as they all were in the room, Snape knelt on the floor, smoothing Jezzie's hair from her face and in a smooth, seductive voice, he said, "Jezebel, it is time. Please tell us the exact location of Beauxbatons."

The girl nodded slowly and in a monotone voice, she gave away the Secret.

"Excellent," Voldemort said.

It had taken less than fifteen minutes to retrieve the information and return her to the door outside her flat. He Obliviated her memories and left the young girl blinking and confused.

With her notebook and map tucked under her arm and her wand in the other hand, Hermione was determined to make progress on finding the hidden Horcrux.

She had Apparated herself to Hogwarts around noon, ready to work. She had skipped going to see Severus because... well... she would've become distracted. And because he would've reprimanded her to no end about Apparating alone. But she hadn't been able to wait until the evening when he was supposed to escort her--she was too excited about the possibility of locating the Horcrux and trying the spell.

For the past several hours, she had gone through every room on the ground floor, using the spell. Every time she had cast the charm, the room would instantly become freezing cold and pitch black, and after a moment, her own soul would light up the darkness.

Her heart had nearly stopped beating when she was in the Great Hall, thinking she had found the Horcrux. But the yellow tinge of light that fluttered above her\ turned out to be just an owl sitting on the rafters. She had been mildly disappointed, but now, at least, she knew the spell did locate every soul in the room.

Hermione now stood in the tower that housed the Grand Staircase, on a landing between the third and fourth floor, casting the spell once more. It was an extremely odd sensation to hear the complaints and shrieks of the portraits, and yet not see the walls covered in tiny colours from their souls. Again, the room stayed black, except her own soul...

What is that?

A silver, oval-shaped orb was gliding towards her, coming up the stairs from the Main floor. She rolled her eyes--another bloody owll--and stopped the enchantment on the room. She was shocked to see Severus stalking up the staircase, heading straight for her with a scowl on his face.

"Do you enjoy putting yourself in danger, Miss Granger, or do you do it just to infuriate me?" he raged, stomping up the stone stairs.

"Severus--"

"Shall I place a tracking spell on you? Because it's obvious that you cannot follow directions and stay somewhere safe!"

Five more steps, and he would be on the landing with her. Hermione lowered her head and waited for him to continue shouting at her.

But instead of berating her further, he jerked her into his arms and held her tightly against his chest.

"Have you got any idea how I would have felt if something had happened to you?" he whispered, burying his face in her unruly hair and kissing the top of her head.

Hermione nodded.

"Next time, will you just wait for me--and do as I ask?"

Hermione nodded again.

She pulled out of his arms, ready to apologize, but he shook his head as if he didn't want to hear her excuses.

"How did you find me here?"

"After I searched your home and Grimmauld Place, I came here. You weren't in my quarters, and I used the portraits to look for you around the castle--one of them mentioned that you were on the stairs. If you weren't here, I was going to Malfoy's next."

"Oh."

"And what the bloody hell were you doing? My body was glowing silver as I walked up the stairs."

"Oh, that," she said, giggling. "That's the spell to locate the Horcrux. When you left to see... the Dark Lord, I occupied my mind by reading the book."

Snape looked at her, jaw slack. "You've already found the spell? How..."

Hermione smiled, intertwined her fingers with his, and lead them down the stairs to his private chamber, telling him about the process of finding the spell in the book and how it worked.

Snape had been a bit annoyed that she hadn't waited to open the book with him, but he was also impressed with her ability to gain access to the spell--an ancient, powerful spell--without wasting away in front of the tome.

Over dinner, she had asked about his day, and against his better judgment, he had told her that he had another meeting with Voldemort. Her meddlesome self had asked if he had been hurt again and she insisted on seeing his body in the flesh to confirm that he wasn't hiding any gruesome injuries from her. She was smothering him with her affections, caring for him the way no other had. And he had loved every minute of it.

This had led to their current situation.

Snape had stood up and stripped himself bare for her to see that he was fine and not wounded at all. He even showed her his healed ankle, which she kissed to 'make him feel better.' And that kissing had traveled up his leg and towards his inner thigh. Her kissing had turned to licking, and before he knew it, her sweet mouth was on his cock, circling his swollen head.

Once Snape had had enough of her teasing, he gripped her upper arms and wrenched her to her feet, nearly ripping her shirt and jeans off her body. Because he couldn't feel her warmth fast enough, he picked up his wand and Vanished her clothes before devouring her succulent lips, tasting the wine that lingered in her mouth from dinner.

With one sweep of his arm, he cleared the kitchen table, sending the dishes clinking to the ground and the food splattering against the rough-textured walls. He shoved Hermione onto the table top, hooked his arms under her knees and yanked her hips towards his groin.

He bent low and buried his face in her pussy, lapping up the slickness that was trickling out of her depths. He teased her, flicking his tongue out of her hole, ignoring her reddened clit.

"Severus--touch me, please!" she begged, rocking her hips, trying to get him to touch her where she ached.

Snape opened her lips wide, with both hands, exposing her nub. He massaged it with the tip of his tongue, inducing a loud moan from Hermione.

She bucked, clawing at his scalp and pushing him into her further. Snape released her lips, stood up brusquely, and thrust his cock into her pulsating quim, jabbing his pointy hipbones into her flesh.

"I love being inside you, Hermione," he groaned, driving his cock deeper inside her.

He leaned over as he pumped, suckling on her brown nipples, running his tongue up her neck and back to her mouth. She hooked her legs around his hips and dragged her nails across the cheeks of his arse, sending chills through him.

She slipped her hand between their bodies, frigging herself as he continued to sink his teeth into her nipples.

She was squeezing down on his shaft now, nearing her orgasm. She closed her eyes, her lashes fluttering on her cheeks as she circled her hips.

"Look at me when you come," he panted, raising his head to look into her brown eyes, his lips brushing her opened mouth, her hot, sweet breath mingling with his own.

Having his woman pinned between him and a table, trapping her like an animal catching its prey, fucking her until she would plead for him to stop, had been Snape's undoing. Hermione opened her legs in a wide 'v', crying for him to slide in deeper and harder, and he had been spellbound.

Something like a tiger's growl left his mouth as he plunged into her, biting down on her sensitive neck, wanting nothing more than to be one with her--to taste her salty skin and metallic blood. She screamed as he bit into her flesh, and Snape felt her walls tighten around him as she reached her high.

Hermione's hand shot to her neck, feeling the skin that Snape had pierced. Jagged marks were embedded in her skin, and tiny spots of blood were bubbling from the teeth marks.

"Severus..."

"I couldn't help it. I just had to taste you," he whispered.

Hermione ran her finger through a strand of his greasy hair, smiling. "It's all right. I like it rough. I like you dominating me."

"Do you?" Snape asked, smirking and peppering her lips with tiny kisses.

"Yes. But, there will be times that I want to do that to you, too."

"In time, love. For now, let's shower and have some chocolate cake by the fire." Snape straightened up, gliding off her body, and helped her off the hard table.

"I'll heal that after we shower," he said, eyeing the reddening bruise on her neck.

"If you insist," Hermione teased as she sashayed to the bathroom, wiggling her arse. Snape loved seeing her heart-shaped arse, swaying and teasing him. He groaned as he snatched her from behind, lifting her off the ground and nuzzling her neck as he walked them to the bathroom.

Hermione giggled and squirmed in his arms, and oh, how he loved hearing her laughter. She had a lightness about her, an innocence, that he had never known. And he hoped that she would never lose that--he would do everything in his power to keep it that way.

Snape ridiculed himself as he remembered how he used to treat her. He should've known better than to ever fear her or to think she wouldn't love him. He had wanted to tell her the truth about things tonight, but for obvious reasons that had changed.

A while later, after they had finished their dessert and were snuggled against each other on the sofa, reading their own books, Snape took a deep breath and was ready to tell her.

"Hermione... I--"

"Yes, Severus?" she said, shifting her body to face him.

"As much as I love you and want you... I don't deserve you," he muttered, avoiding her eyes.

"What do you mean? Because you are a Death Eater and have done some horrible things in you past? I hope you know that doesn't bother me."

Snape raised his head and faced her, reading the sincerity in her warm features.

Snape swallowed the dryness in his mouth. "Well--"

A gush of wind swept through the room as a large, silvery-white lynx zoomed through the room, sitting on its hind legs in front of the fireplace.

The Patronus startled Hermione, and she jumped out of Snape's embrace, staring down at it.

"Severus, Beauxbatons has been attacked! Please come to Headquarters immediately!"

A/N: Lulabelle72 pointed out that it was... unfortunate... that the portraits had no souls. I would like to say that I actually believe the portraits contain something of a soul (which is a long story), but for the sake of this story, I wanted the 'creepy' effect of standing on one of the staircases in total darkness, hearing the mumblings of people talking all around you and not being able to see them.